2024’s Best Car Alarms

Many aftermarket car alarms can reach your vehicle from up to 3,000 feet. We found the best with extras like remote starting and vehicle tracking.
Best bundle
""
Compustar CS7900-AS
  • pro
    3,000 ft. range
  • pro
    Keyless entry
  • pro
    Remote start
Best value
Avital 5305L product image
Avital 5305L
  • pro
    1,500 ft. range
  • pro
    Keyless entry
  • pro
    Remote start
Budget pick
Mengshen Anti-Theft Alarm
  • pro
    65 ft. range
  • con
    No keyless entry
  • con
    No remote start
Best simple keyless entry
Viper 3105V
  • pro
    1,500 ft. range
  • pro
    Keyless entry
  • con
    No remote start
Best GPS alarm
DroneMobile product image
DroneMobile X1 LTE
  • pro
    Unlimited range
  • pro
    Keyless entry
  • pro
    Remote start
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We researched the best car alarms and found that Compustar CS7900-AS is your best bet for a traditional car alarm. It has a variety of features, like a loud alarm and shock sensors, to keep car thieves at bay. Don't miss our other picks for the best car alarms. Each one has different benefits. 


Compare the best car alarms

Product
Best for
Price*
Remote range
Impact sensors
Diesel engine safe
Installation
Learn more
Best bundle 3,000 ft.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Pro recommended
Best value 1,500 ft.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
DIY
Budget pick 65 ft.
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
DIY
Best simple keyless entry 1,500 ft.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Pro recommended
Easy to install Unlimited
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightVaries
Pro

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Reviews: Best car alarm systems

1. Compustar CS4900-S: Best bundle

Best bundle
Compustar CS7900-AS

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Compustar CS7900-AS combines an array of security system features to produce a great choice for auto enthusiasts. This aftermarket car alarm fits a huge range of automatic transmission vehicles, including those with diesel engines.

pro
Pros
pro 3,000 ft. range
pro 2 key fobs included
pro Remote start system
con
Cons
con May need extra parts
con Not plug and play installation

This Compustar car alarm bundle comes with two key fobs to lock and unlock your vehicle from up to 3,000 feet away. You can also pop open your trunk and start your car remotely from the same fobs.

Unlike its predecessor the Compustar CS4900-S, the Compustar CS7900-AS is chock full of useful features. It has a 105 dB alarm siren, dual zone shock sensor, hood, door, and trunk triggers, and a built-in starter kill to keep your vehicle safe.

2. Avital 5305L: Best value

Best value
Avital 5305L product image
Avital 5305L
$117.38

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Avital 5305L is the budget-savvy sister security system of high-end car alarm brands Viper and Python, offering similar features from the same manufacturer.

pro
Pros
pro Carjack protection
pro 2-way LCD key fob remote
pro Remote start
pro 4 auxiliary ports for easy expansion
con
Cons
con Poor range
con No smartphone integration
con Incompatible with manual transmissions

Avital’s 5305L car alarm system has all the recommended security features, like shock sensors and panic mode, as well as flashing lights, a blaring 120-decibel siren, and a kill switch that protects against carjacking.

Unlike lower-end Avital models, this car alarm features a two-way, LCD pager loaded with conveniences such as keyless entry, remote start, trunk release, and Valet Mode. The four auxiliary ports let you beef up the theft prevention system with additional sensors, all for a price that’s a steal.

Beware that any bargain comes with some loss of benefits. In addition to a mediocre range of 1,500 feet, Avital’s lack of smartphone integration means you won’t have the convenience of GPS tracking built into your car alarm system. And, unfortunately, it doesn’t work for vehicles with manual transmissions.

3. Mengshen Anti-Theft Alarm: Budget pick

Budget pick

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

For under $20, you can add a blaring alarm to your car, motorcycle, bike, or anything you want to keep safe. The Mengshen Anti-Theft Alarm is a simple battery-powered siren that fits in your vehicle or other ride.

pro
Pros
pro Under $20
pro Easy installation
pro Adjustable sensitivity
pro Protects bikes, motorcycles, and other vehicles
con
Cons
con No keyless entry or remote start
con Incompatible with smartphones

Like standard aftermarket car alarms, it comes with a key fob you can use to arm or disarm the alarm. You can adjust the sensitivity settings to catch minor vibrations like someone jostling your bike lock or tapping on your windows. 

So while you’ll miss out on the fancy features like remote starting or vehicle tracking, it’s a great extra line of defense against snoopers who might steal your ride. 

4. Viper 3105V: Best simple keyless entry

Best simple keyless entry
Viper 3105V
$74.98

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you’re looking for a simple aftermarket security system car alarm to replace your existing one, the Viper 3105V is a great place to start. The only bells and whistles included on this car security system are the ones that keep thieves away. 

pro
Pros
pro Failsafe Starter Kill
pro Simple fobs included
pro Professional installation not required
con
Cons
con Shorter remote range
con No smartphone compatibility

With this fob, you can lock and unlock your car from 1,500 feet away. It’s a short range compared to some of our other choices, but it will give you a long enough reach to unlock your car in the parking lot or from inside your home.

It comes with a Failsafe Starter Kill, a feature that kills the engine while the alarm blares. With it in place, no one will be able to take your vehicle while the alarm is on. 

5. DroneMobile X1 LTE: Easy to install

Best overall
DroneMobile product image

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Out of all our picks, the DroneMoble X1 LTE is the easiest car alarm to install. It's also one heck of a multitasker. On top of notifying you when your car alarm sounds, it can track your vehicle’s location, overall health, and driver safety. It’s a great addition to a new driver’s safety arsenal or for keeping older drivers safe on the road. 

It sends notifications to your phone when your car alarm goes off. And like other car alarms, you can lock and unlock your car with it through your smartphone.

pro
Pros
pro Alarm-triggered alerts
pro Impact sensors
pro Maintenance monitoring and reminders
pro GPS tracker capabilities
con
Cons
con Required pro installation
con Incompatible with some vehicles
con Required subscription

The DroneMobile works using cellular signals, giving you an unlimited leash to your car as long as you have reception. Its features may vary depending on your vehicle; check DroneMobile’s list of compatible makes.

And while you can purchase it online through Amazon, you’ll need to get it professionally installed. The device does require a subscription to keep that digital juice flowing. Prices range from $3.99 per month to $39.99 depending on the features you want and what’s compatible with your vehicle. 

Final word

Having an aftermarket car alarm can help scare off thieves in the act, but they can’t work alone. 

If you want to make your car a little safer, consider pairing your new car alarm with devices like these to deter criminals and find your car if it is stolen:

Check out the SafeWise Car Safety Guide for more tips on securing your vehicle. 

Things to consider before you buy a car alarm

Most modern vehicles come equipped with a basic alarm system, but these bare-bones measures aren’t robust enough to deter professional car thieves. Experts recommend a range of bells and whistles to avoid car theft and give your ride the protection it deserves.

Plus, when you opt for an aftermarket car alarm system, you usually get a few more convenient features bundled in. Here are some of the basics to look for when seeking the best car alarms.

Alarms and sensors

At the minimum, your car alarm system should make some noise when the sensors are tripped. Opt for advanced shock sensors that will respond when glass is broken and when the vehicle is hit by a significant impact.

These sensors will trigger your alarm remote or smartphone. All of the Top 10 car alarms edge above 100 decibels and do more than honk the horn and flash the lights to grab attention.

Range

Some car alarm systems boast a phenomenal range of up to a mile. Look for a car alarm system that reaches your vehicle from at least 1,000 feet so it can arm itself from a distance. That way, you’ll be confident your alarm is set every time you walk away.

Carjack protection

Carjack protection is a group of features that actively thwart car theft. These options include kill switches, high-pitched sirens, and chirp alarms that may hassle the thief into abandoning your vehicle.

While these kinds of security measures may seem redundant, they’ve been shown to effectively deter car thieves or interrupt vehicle theft in action.

Two-way remotes and displays

Modern car alarm systems generally have two-way communication, meaning you can arm your car at a distance and also receive notifications from the alarm system on your remote.

In some cases, these key fobs even use an LCD display to detail conditions of your car like the internal temperature or open doors.

Encrypted transmission

Not all car thieves use a crowbar or Slim Jim to get into your car. Tech-savvy thieves know how to hack the signal from your key fob and unlock your car remotely. That’s why smart car alarm companies are adding encryption to their wireless car alarms.

If you like the convenience of remote entry, you might want to look for a vehicle security system that incorporates encryption to keep hackers out of your car.

Smartphone integration

It’s no surprise that some keyless cars come with car security you can control from your smartphone. Leading vehicle security companies like Viper use cloud technology to put remote control and monitoring in the palm of your hand.

Mobile apps let you check in on your vehicle and receive email and text alerts without having to carry around an extra remote or key fob. Often, these apps also provide GPS tracking that can be enormously helpful in the case of theft.

Ease of installation

Installing a car alarm system involves a lot of wires and fiddling around with your car’s electrical system. Because it can be complicated, we recommend professional installation.

However, this can raise the overall price of a car alarm by several hundred dollars. If you want to attempt DIY installation, you’re not alone. Many handy car owners have successfully installed their alarm system. But beware that DIY installation might impact any warranty on the equipment.

Convenience features

Many car alarms will also let you remotely start your vehicle, which can be a big benefit on cold mornings when you need to defrost your windows and heat up those seats before your commute.

Car alarm systems often provide extras like keyless entry, valet mode, and trunk release that can make your life just a little easier when you have your hands full.

Car alarm system FAQ

When installed correctly, modern aftermarket car alarm systems should not place a significant strain on your battery. That’s one of the many reasons we recommend professional installation for the car alarm systems we review. To find a reputable installer, Google, “car alarm systems installation near me” and look for a vendor with solid reviews.

If you have concerns, check the manufacturer’s specifications for details about the anticipated burden on your battery.

As with most products, your ability to self-install will depend on the complexity of the system and your expertise.

We recommend professional installation for car alarm systems because there is a risk you could invalidate your warranty or place a strain on the battery with improper installation.

Avoiding car theft is about more than outfitting your ride with a state-of-the-art alarm system. Consider additional measures like steering wheel locks, or choose an option from our best car dash cams for extra security.

The more redundant protection measures you take, the less likely it is that your car will become a target

Naturally, you should contact authorities, but you can do so armed with additional information if you have a car alarm system with GPS tracking.

There are some common sense measures you can also take if you’re dealing with a car break-in to make things like insurance claims and police reports a little easier on everyone involved.

How quickly your car alarm system can be disabled depends on the security features it’s equipped with and the skill of the thief attempting to steal your ride.

While they might be a headache during false alarms, carjacking protections like kill switches and advanced encryption are two key factors that can determine how easily car thieves hotwire your ignition or bypass your car alarm.

It depends. Some thieves aren't deterred by alarms because many people are often so used to hearing the alarms they ignore them.

One-way alarms just send a signal from the key fob to the alarm. Two-ways send a signal from the fob to the alarm and send information to you through an app.

How we reviewed the best aftermarket car alarms

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Image: Antoni Shkraba, Pexels 

For our car alarm systems review, we used our decades of security experience and an extensive review of product information and specifications. We also researched expert recommendations, customer reviews, and company ratings from third-party organizations to find our best car alarm system picks.

You can learn more about how we review products by visiting our methodology page.

Related articles on SafeWise


Sources

  1. Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press, “Lock Your Cars! Vehicle Theft Spikes In COVID-19 Pandemic,” May 2020. Accessed December 16, 2022.

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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